The short answer
A repair is urgent when it is needed to preserve the dwelling or keep using it: a major leak, no heat in winter, a broken entrance lock, a blocked sewer[2]. The tenant first notifies the landlord. If the landlord cannot be reached or does not act in time, the tenant can have the essential work done and be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, with proof[1].
What is urgent, according to the TAL
The Civil Code allows the tenant to act themselves when a repair is urgent and necessary to preserve the dwelling or keep using it[1]. The TAL gives examples[2]:
- a major leak in the plumbing or the roof;
- faulty electrical wiring;
- a blocked sewer;
- a rotten step or balcony board that gives way;
- no heat in winter, or a refusal to fill the oil tank;
- a defective lock on the entrance door.
The TAL describes this recourse as an exceptional measure, to be used with caution and good faith. The repair must be limited to what is essential, on a temporary basis[2].
Urgent or not?
| Situation | Urgent? | Who acts |
|---|---|---|
| No heat in January | Yes | The landlord, without delay; otherwise, the tenant has the essential work done |
| Active water damage | Yes | Shut off the water, notify the landlord, limit the damage |
| Broken entrance door lock | Yes | The landlord; a lock cannot be changed without both parties’ consent |
| Dripping faucet | No | Written notice to the landlord |
| Secondary appliance out of order | No | Written notice to the landlord |
Steps for the tenant
- Notify the landlord as soon as you notice the problem: the tenant must inform them within a reasonable time of any substantial defect[1].
- Try to reach them and note each attempt: date, time, method used.
- If they do not act in time, have the essential repair done, without waiting for the tribunal’s authorization[1].
- Keep the evidence: photos, invoices and replaced parts. You must account to the landlord and give them the supporting documents[1].
- Get reimbursed: if you are not reimbursed, you can withhold the amount of reasonable expenses from the rent[1][2].
The landlord can step in at any time to finish the work themselves[1].
Heating in Québec City: 20 °C minimum
In Québec City, the heating system must be able to maintain at least 20 °C in the dwelling, measured in the centre of the room one metre above the floor. Adjoining spaces must stay at 15 °C or more, and the dwelling must be supplied with hot and cold water[3].
These thresholds come from a Ville de Québec by-law. Elsewhere, including Lévis, check your municipality’s by-law.
Access to the dwelling in an emergency
- The landlord must normally give 24 hours’ notice to carry out work, except in an emergency[1].
- The tenant can refuse access before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m., except for urgent work[1].
- No one can install or change a lock without the consent of both the landlord and the tenant[1].
- For urgent repairs, the landlord can require the tenant to leave the dwelling temporarily; the tenant keeps the right to a rent reduction or compensation[1].
And if it is not urgent?
Send written notice to the landlord. If they do not make the repair, the tenant must obtain the TAL’s authorization before doing the work themselves[1]. They can also ask for a rent reduction or damages.
Withholding rent for a non-urgent repair without authorization exposes the tenant to a claim for unpaid rent. See unpaid rent.
For buildings managed by Lease Lane
Emergencies are handled 24/7: Cléo receives the call or message, qualifies the emergency and reaches the on-call supplier, then the team follows the file until it is closed. Other requests go through the maintenance request in the portal, with updates at every step.
Frequently asked questions
Can the landlord enter without notice?
Yes, in an emergency (art. 1931 C.C.Q.). For urgent work, they can even enter before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (art. 1933 C.C.Q.).
Can I deduct the invoice from my rent?
Yes, for an urgent and necessary repair, if the landlord does not reimburse you, as long as the expenses are reasonable and supported by receipts (arts. 1868 and 1869 C.C.Q.).
What is the minimum temperature in Québec City?
20 °C in the dwelling, under Ville de Québec by-law R.V.Q. 3021.
And if the repair is not urgent?
Send written notice. The TAL can then authorize you to do the work, reduce the rent or award damages (arts. 1863 and 1867 C.C.Q.).
Sources
- [1]Civil Code of Québec, arts. 1863 to 1869, 1910 to 1913 and 1931 to 1934 · LégisQuébec · accessed on 11 octobre 2026
- [2]Urgent and necessary repairs · Administrative Housing Tribunal · accessed on 11 octobre 2026
- [3]By-law on the occupancy and maintenance of buildings, R.V.Q. 3021, ss. 7 and 8 · Québec City · accessed on 11 octobre 2026
- [4]Access to the dwelling and visits · Administrative Housing Tribunal · accessed on 11 octobre 2026
- [5]Logement en mauvais état : les recours · Éducaloi · accessed on 11 octobre 2026
This article provides general legal information, current as of the date shown. It does not constitute legal advice. For a specific situation, consult the TAL, Éducaloi, a lawyer or a notary.
